March 4, 2005 11:00 AM, EST

President Bush Names Steve Johnson EPA Administrator

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resident Bush named acting Environmental Protection Agency chief Steve Johnson to lead the agency, EPA said Friday.

Among other things, EPA sets regulations related to emissions from diesel engines, which are scheduled to tighten in 2007 and 2010.

Johnson, a career government employee who has been with the EPA for 24 years, became its acting administrator about six weeks ago.

His nomination is subject to confirmation by the Senate.

The president called Johnson "the first professional scientist to lead the EPA." He said Johnson "shares my conviction that we can improve [the environment] while maintaining a vibrant and competitive economy."

ohnson assumed the position with the stated goal of promoting and maintaining the utilization of sound science while using collaborative, innovative approaches to solving environmental problems, the Associated Press reported.

Sen. James Inhofe (R-Okla.), chairman of the Senate Environment & Public Works Committee, issued a statement in support of Johnson.

"I look forward to sitting down with Steve very soon to discuss the many issues and challenges facing EPA and our nation’s environment,” Inhofe said.